Why was Prey 2 Cancelled?
Prey 2, a highly anticipated game in the Prey series, was cancelled in 2014, leaving fans of the franchise wondering what could have gone wrong. In this article, we will delve into the reasons behind the cancellation of Prey 2 and explore the consequences it had on the gaming industry.
What Happened?
In October 2014, during PAX Australia, Bethesda, the game’s publisher, announced that Prey 2 had been cancelled. The company’s president, Todd Hines, explained that the game was not meeting their quality standards and that they did not see a path to success if it was finished. This decision was met with disappointment from fans and critics alike, who had been eagerly anticipating the game’s release.
Quality Standards
One of the main reasons behind the cancellation of Prey 2 was the game’s failure to meet Bethesda’s quality standards. The company is known for its commitment to delivering high-quality games, and it appears that Prey 2 fell short of this expectation. The game’s developer, Human Head Studios, was working on the project, but it seems that they were unable to deliver a game that met Bethesda’s standards.
Development Issues
Another reason for the cancellation of Prey 2 was the development issues that the game was facing. The game was being developed by Human Head Studios, a relatively small studio, and it appears that they were struggling to meet the demands of the project. The game was also being developed for multiple platforms, which can be a challenging task, especially for a smaller studio.
Marketing and Promotion
Prey 2 had received significant marketing and promotion from Bethesda, but it appears that this was not enough to save the game. The company had released several trailers and gameplay demos, but it seems that they were unable to generate enough buzz around the game.
Consequences
The cancellation of Prey 2 had significant consequences for the gaming industry. The game’s cancellation was a blow to fans of the Prey series, who had been eagerly anticipating the game’s release. It also had a negative impact on the reputation of Bethesda and Human Head Studios, as both companies were associated with the game.
The Future of Prey
The cancellation of Prey 2 did not mean the end of the Prey series. In 2017, Arkane Studios released Prey, a new game in the series that received critical acclaim. The game was a reboot of the series and offered a fresh take on the franchise.
Comparison with Other Games
The cancellation of Prey 2 is not an isolated incident. There have been several other games that have been cancelled due to development issues, quality concerns, or poor marketing. Here are a few examples:
| Game | Developer | Reason for Cancellation |
|---|---|---|
| Duke Nukem Forever | 3D Realms | Development issues, quality concerns |
| Star Wars: First Assault | Free Radical Design | Development issues, poor marketing |
| Sonic the Hedgehog: Reign of Fire | Backbone Entertainment | Development issues, poor marketing |
Conclusion
The cancellation of Prey 2 was a significant event in the gaming industry, and it highlights the challenges that game developers and publishers face when working on a project. The game’s failure to meet Bethesda’s quality standards, development issues, and poor marketing all contributed to its cancellation. While the cancellation of Prey 2 was a disappointment for fans of the series, it did not mean the end of the franchise, and Arkane Studios’ Prey (2017) has proven that the series can still thrive.